Patricia McGarry, Ph.D., LSW

• Alvernia University, PhD
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MSW
• Moravian College, BA

 BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT:

Patricia McGarry has worked in the field of Social Work since 1981, always in the Non-Profit arena.  Prior to obtaining her MSW, she worked as a Parent Involvement Worker for Community Services for Children which provided pre-K education to low-income children.  After receiving her MSW, she began her career with Valley Youth House.

Valley Youth House is an organization which identifies as the catalyst for youth to achieve their desired futures through genuine relationships that support families, ensure safe places, and build community connections.   The organization offers emergency housing, transitional and independent living services plus children's behavioral health, child welfare and prevention services throughout Pennsylvania.  Dr. McGarry began as a therapist working with the child welfare population and left as the Sr. Vice President of Prevention, Child Welfare and Children's Behavioral Health.  During her tenure she coordinated the Internship Program for the organization earning the Marywood University, Murray Fox Award for Excellence in Practicum Education.  She was at the forefront of the agency's venture into Children's Behavioral Health through the implementation of Family Based Mental Health Services in 1994 and Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services in 1995.  

Outside of working in the field, she taught psychology at Lehigh Carbon Community College and various social work courses at Marywood University in the MSW program.  She additionally supervised graduate and undergraduate social work interns during their field placements at Valley Youth House.  

TEACHING INTERESTS

• Trauma-Informed Care
• Organizational Leadership
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Children's Behavioral Health